Lychas `SCO024`
Scorpions can be found on all continents except Antarctica, and are more diverse in the tropical and arid zones of the globe. They all possess venom, which is held in the telson (stinger) at the end of their modified tail-like abdomen, also called the metasoma. While many species of Australian scorpion can administer a very painful sting (especially members of the Buthidae), none are believed to be fatal to heathy adult humans.
One of the truely amazing abilities of scorpions is that species glow blue-green under ultraviolet light. This unusual quirk is often used by museum researchers to find and collect scorpions in the wild, using battery powered black lights.
Morphology
Different species of scorpion are distinguished based on characters found all over their bodies.
Evolution
This undescribed species of scorpion has been detected through DNA sequencing work carried out by the Western Australian Museum. This genus likely harbours many more undescribed species, and significant work is required to understand the full species diversity of the genus, and where those species are found.
Behaviour
Species of this family are small and can be found at night, hunting for prey in the open. They are very well camouflaged, but can readily be detected using UV black lights.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Terrestrial
Among spinifex
Distribution
Millstream-Chichester National Park.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Scorpiones |
| Superfamily: | Buthoidea |
| Family: | Buthidae |
| Genus: | Lychas |
| Species: | `SCO024` |
| Rank: | species |
|---|---|
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/lychas-sco024
Accessed 31 Aug 2023
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